Newsletter
Former cannabis prisoners rally at White House to push Trump (Newsletter: May 5, 2025)
Fed prosecutor talks marijuana; VA gov vetoes cannabis delivery bill; PA legalization dispute; CA psychedelics
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin, who recently sent a threat letter to a licensed medical cannabis dispensary, is sending mixed signals about respecting local marijuana laws—saying that businesses “better have a license and everything in order, otherwise we will pursue action.”
A group of former marijuana prisoners and drug policy reform advocates held a rally outside the White House calling on President Donald Trump to free people who are still incarcerated in federal prison for cannabis.
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said she’ll “continue to fight” to repeal a federal policy that’s blocked Washington, D.C. from legalizing marijuana sales—and she pushed back on the Trump White House’s criticism of the District’s cannabis laws.
- “It is past time for the federal government to catch up with the American people and legalize adult-use marijuana.”
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed a bill that would have allowed medical cannabis patients to receive deliveries at locations other than their own homes, saying it would put marijuana in “locations where substance abuse, gambling, or other high-risk activities may occur” and creates “unnecessary risks for diversion, theft, and unintended access by minors.”
Pennsylvania House lawmakers sponsoring marijuana legalization bills are clashing over whether a state-run or private system of sales is best, while the Senate GOP majority leader says he doesn’t see a path to enacting any kind of legal cannabis legislation this session.
The California Senate Education Committee approved a bill to create a psilocybin-focused Veterans and First Responders Research Pilot Program to research and develop psychedelic services for target populations with PTSD, end-of-life distress and other conditions.
Montana lawmakers sent Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) two competing bills to allocate marijuana tax revenue toward wildlife habitat improvement and restoration projects on private land.
The Nebraska legislature’s General Affairs Committee approved a bill to implement the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis program—but with amendments that ban smoking and don’t allow PTSD patients to qualify.
The Nebraska legislature gave initial approval to a bill to ban certain hemp-derived products, though some lawmakers said it will need further amendments to maintain their support.
Rhode Island lawmakers are considering legislation to legalize the sale of hemp-derived THC drinks at liquor stores, bars and restaurants—but marijuana cultivators and dispensaries are opposed.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is considering proposals to conduct a cannabis market and economic impact study that will help determine whether regulators issue additional marijuana business licenses.
/ FEDERAL
President Donald Trump’s preliminary budget request proposes to cut funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, saying that “under the previous administration, SAMHSA grants were used to fund dangerous activities billed as ‘harm reduction,’ which included funding ‘safe smoking kits and supplies’ and ‘syringes’ for drug users.” It also recommends a cut to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s international efforts.
Sara Carter, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, posted an article about alleged connections between an illegal marijuana cultivation operation in Maine and a Chinese Communist Party organization involved in intelligence and foreign influence operations.
Acting Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Derek Maltz ended his tenure in the role.
/ STATES
Connecticut’s attorney general secured a judgement against a business over “persistent illegal cannabis sales.”
The Maine legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee approved a bill to eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.
A Texas representative expressed concerns that a proposed ban on consumable hemp products with any amount of THC could “end the good uses of medical THC as well.”
An Indiana representative discussed his legislation to ban marijuana advertising.
California regulators announced a recall of marijuana products due to labeling that is attractive to children. Regulators announced that the cannabis excise tax rate will increase from 15 percent to 19 percent of gross receipts from retail sales as of July 1.
New Jersey regulators rescinded new cannabis safety testing lab rules.
Maryland regulators published guidance for cannabis businesses and dispensaries.
Minnesota regulators sent preliminary approval notices to 213 cannabis business license applicants.
Michigan regulators will hold a hearing on proposed changes to marijuana rules on Tuesday.
Washington State regulators will accept registrations for the Cannabis Social Equity Program from June 2 through July 1.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
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/ LOCAL
The Wilmington, Delaware City Council approved a marijuana business ordinance.
/ INTERNATIONAL
The Calgary, Alberta, Canada City Council approved a proposal to allow the sale of cannabis products at adults-only events.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A review concluded that “when compared to placebo, cannabidiol (20 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) probably has a greater reduction in seizures in individuals with refractory epilepsy.”
A review highlighted “the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy as an effective treatment for reducing psychological and existential distress in cancer patients.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
A poll found that Georgia voters support legalizing marijuana, 56 percent to 36 percent.
/ BUSINESS
Eaze Technologies, Inc. filed for bankruptcy.
Simply Solventless Concentrates Ltd. said it will not be in a position to file its audited annual financial statements by the deadline.
/ CULTURE
Howard Stern mused about whether he should try marijuana again.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
